What Types of Doors Can Be Availed From the Market?

If you want to perfect the beginning as well as the end of your home improvement project, you need to focus on each and every installation. Choosing what suits your requirements is what you must keep in your mind while starting your home improvement projects. Among the few important factors that play an important role in a home improvement project, doors are what can either enhance or destroy the look of your house. Many of us are not aware of the types of doors and the qualities upon which these types are differentiated. We need to know all about it if we want to precede with efficient home improvement projects.

You can select the types of doors that sound good to your taste and most of the available door's types can also be customized. For example, if you need a panel door, which consists of wood panels, stiles and rails panels, you can either get a solid wood panel door, plywood panel door or a panel door made up of glass. However, you won't find all such types of doors for everywhere in the market unless you are savvy of such details. You can also ask the manufacturer for your requirements. Besides just panel doors, solid core doors, hollow mental insulated doors, hollow core wood door, stable doors, trap doors French doors can also be customized to set your requirements.

Therefore, if you are interested in exploring different types of doors that are not only feasible enough to provide your required facilities but also give your home a fine classy look. You must always perform a detailed research in the market before buying any types of doors. Pay visit to different door shops, collect ideas and order your desired type of doors. Qualities of all these types of doors, however, differ with money but you can be able to select the best out of the most by using your expertise.

For more details on door types and their qualities, visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/home_improvement_tips/doors/index.php

Are Home Remodeling Costs Down?

Lately we've been inundated by doom-and-gloom news in the media about the real estate market. But if you're planning to stay in your home and remodel or upgrade a rental for future resale, there is actually some good news to report: it's becoming less expensive to remodel as the market slows down and the law of supply and demand kicks in.

A year or so ago, the market was on fire and building materials and labor were scarce and expensive since the demand for both was equally hot. Construction material was in short supply, if you could find it at all, and finding skilled craftsmen for your project was an exercise in frustration. That situation was made even more difficult by the demand for rebuilding areas of the country that had been hit by Hurricane Katrina. On top of that, delivery costs also rose, due to a spike in gas prices. All of those factors contributed to cost increases of as much as 50 percent in certain areas.

The good news about all that? With the slow-down in the real estate market, materials are more readily available and construction people are actually looking for work to fill their schedules. Gas prices came down briefly, though they've begun to rise again, but the other pressures have lessened, which means that the cost of many common remodeling projects has decreased by 20% or more.

That's especially good news if your project is relatively small. During the height of the real estate boom, many contractors turned down smaller projects or told home owners to wait until they could get to them. However, many contractors are now actively trying to drum up work as the market continues to soften.

The downside of remodeling with an eye toward increasing your property's value is that, at least for the near term, your upgrade probably won't immediately pay for itself like it would have in the last few years. Since real estate prices have declined significantly in many parts of America, your remodeling project won't do much from an investment standpoint as it used to. Recent surveys have suggested that even the most popular upgrades, bathroom and kitchen remodels, are only returning about 80% of their cost.

The bottom line: this may be a good time to schedule that major remodeling project you've been wanting, assuming you're not doing it to quickly turn around and use the upgrade to increase your profits. If you do want to sell for top dollar in a buyer's market, you can increase your profits by turning your home into a buyer's dream home using less expensive faux paint techniques.

Whether you want to remodel or just decorate your home, you can benefit from exploring Flip That House with FAUX. See the controversial home that was on Flip That House at http://flipthathousewithfaux.com/book.html Enjoy your home!

Copyright 2007 Jeanette Fisher

Kitchen Cabinet Basics - What to Know Before You Remodel

If you are considering a "Full Kitchen Remodel" then the first place you will want to start (with regard to material choices) is with your cabinets. Cabinets set the tone for the style and color scheme of your entire kitchen. Answering the questions below will get you on the right track.

Design Styles: The most common design styles these days include Shaker, Modern Contemporary, Traditional, Casual Country and Eclectic. Determining the style will direct you to the wood species that work best.

Door Styles: There are basically three door styles to choose from: Raised Panel, Recessed Panel and Slab. With regard to the raised and recessed doors, you will then need to choose from square, arch or cathedral style.

Types of Wood: Cabinets are made from a multitude of wood species; however the most common these days are (in order of hardness and durability):

Oak, Hickory, Mahogany, Laminates
Maple, Cherry, Birch, Pine
Alder, Poplar

Cabinet Quality: The qualities of cabinets available range from all solid wood construction, partial wood construction with plywood veneer, particle board and veneer and (at the lower end of the spectrum) particle board and photo finish and laminates: Of course the prices range (with all wood construction) from very expensive to very inexpensive (photo finish) or laminate construction. While the old adage "You Get What You Pay For" holds true in most cases, there are a number of ways to reduce your overall cost and still have the quality and look you want. For instance, you can have solid wood fronts and on the exposed ends (doors, drawers and face) and use plywood or particle board on the sides and backs (which are not seen). This can save you thousands of dollars.

Other Cabinet Options: The final choices that are worthy of note are the additional options for your cabinets. These include Lazy Susans, waste basket cabinets, spice racks, wine racks, pull-out trays (instead of fixed shelving) "soft close" drawer hardware, dove-tail drawer or butt-joint drawer construction and (for upper cabinets) crown molding, under mount light molding etc. Glass doors (typically on upper cabinets) also lend a certain 'jene se qua' to the final look.

Cabinet Finishes: Yet another consideration is the finishes available: They are laminates, painted and stained. Regarding stain finishes: You can choose from the standard finishes and (if so inclined) add a "glaze finish" to further accent the wood grain and design of the cabinetry. *** Note: When you choose to add a glaze finish, there will be additional costs and (equally important) additional production time. Glazes can increase your cabinet expense from 6% to 20% and add one to two weeks on to the normal production schedule.

Hardware: The sky is the limit with regard to choices of colors, styles and designs of knob and handles. You can literally spend hours online looking at designs and styles. *** Note: Remember to add this into your cabinet budget from the outset as prices range from $3 or $4 dollars for simple knobs & handles to as much as $20 or more for the more ornate ones! Do you homework and research to find the type you want and the lowest cost producer of same.

In conclusion, remodeling your kitchen can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor and add value to your home. With proper planning, you will get the result you want within the budget you wish to keep. Perform your "due diligence" and you will have a final result for you and your family to enjoy for years to come! Good Luck.

If this article has been helpful and you would like more information on our kitchen remodeling services, please visit our website at http://www.pdremodelingsandiego.com

For a no obligation consultation, simply send us an e-mail at sfrick@pdr-sd.com or call us at (858) 560-0444. We service all of San Diego county and have been in business over 22 years.

Cottage Home Plans For Everyone

Cottages are not just little houses built for vacationing. Modern cottages are exciting homes that make superior use of their interior space. Snug nooks and inviting corners await you in cottages of all sizes.

Since the Middle Ages, people have lived in cottages. During the 15th century, cottages were built for farm workers and their families and often included a barn and acres of land. By the 18th century, miners and weavers resided in cottages. Modern cottages are usually one and one-half stories, although single story cottages are popular for waterfront getaways. Modern cottages include ranches, Cape Cods and Katrina cottages. A cottage can be as spacious or small as you want.

Vacation retreats are often cottages because of their efficient design. Waterfront and lake communities are checkered with cottages along the shore. In days gone by, fishermen lived in these cottages to be near the water. Today vacationers flock to cottages near rivers and seas to experience the relaxation of the water. Cottages tucked away in the woods are often referred to as cabins. There are a variety of small cottage house plans to create your ideal oasis away from it all.

Many people rent a vacation cottage and become enamored with its charming appeal. Living in a cottage gives you that cozy feeling all year round. Cottages can be perched on mountains, nestled near a stream or situated right in the middle of a busy suburb or city. Cottage have a small, effective design with inviting amenities that give you a warm feeling no matter where you live. Front porches, winding staircases and doghouse windows give cottages added appeal.

Spacious cottage house plans include fireplaces, study nooks, built-in dining tables and attached outdoor rooms. Space is used wisely to create a variety of living spaces in different areas, such as a fold-out bed in a guest room that doubles as your office or craft room. If you have a cottage built on large property, include a matching garage and gazebo. Add a pool house next to an in-ground pool for an instant vacation right in your backyard.

Decorating cottages is fun and creative. Cottage-style decorating and "shabby chic" are often used in these smaller houses. Distinctive English cottage touches include hanging china on the walls, using a variety of colors and textures in one room and mixing patterns. Include plenty of family photos, lacy doilies, fragrant candles, distressed wood furniture and vintage mirrors for an old-fashioned cottage feeling throughout the house.

The affordable luxury of cottage home plans make them perfect for both vacationing and year-round enjoyment. Create your own personal retreat for a special welcome every time you enter the door.

Shopping online for cottage house plans makes it easy and fun to find exactly what you want for your main residence or vacation home. HDA, Inc. offers more than 17,000 different house plans including small cottage house plans along with ranches, Cape Cods and other unique cottage home plans you won't find anywhere else.

Why Does Wood Crack When it Dries?

Differential Shrinkage - To get right to the point, wood cracks due to differential shrinkage! Differential shrinkage occurs because the outer fibers in the shell dry first and begin to shrink. However, the core has not yet begun to dry and shrink, and consequently the shell is restrained from shrinking by the core. Thus the shell goes into tension and the core into compression. With the stresses from the shell and core pulling in opposite directions the wood fibers break and a crack forms. The larger the wood member, the more stress is exerted to the wood member. Examples Lets take an example of a 1x8 board versus an 8x8 timber

• The 1x8 board is only one-inch thick so it dries fairly quickly. The stress are minimal and just a few, small surface checks may result.
• The much larger 8x8 (8-inches x 8-inches) timber takes a long time to dry which could be as much as six-months. The inside of the timber will stay wet for months while the outside is dried to well below 20-percent moisture content. The stress that is set up within the 8x8 will eventually result in a inch crack or larger on one face to the timber. This crack will go all the way to the center of the timber and usually be on one face only.

I have seen people cutting a round, lilly pad from the end of a log so that they can use it as a cutting board in the kitchen. It looks nice in the green, unseasoned state but after a few weeks it develops a large, pie crack in the piece. It is eventually discarded as unsightly. After throwing it away they wonder what happened to the wood that allowed this to happen.

This is just another reason why wood materials should be properly dried before using them in any mode other than for exterior use such as fence posts, landscape timbers or a rough fence. If they are being used where their final moisture content will be 15% or lower, they should be dried prior to milling and installed into their final end use. In this way the seasoning, stress cracks can be aligned in such a way that they are hidden or discarded. Preventing Cracks Proper drying techniques and PEG What can be done to prevent this seasoning degradation in wood? With large quantities of lumber, boards to timbers one can only resort to proper drying following the many details that make up the complete process. This can be done with either a kiln or by air drying but many details have to be followed to have the results desired. It is not the purpose of this short subject to outline what must be done to properly dry wood. This will be covered in another article.

For small, fairly expensive items such as carvings, another method can be used to prevent degradation due to seasoning checks and cracks. This is done using a chemical called polyethylene glycol-1000 or PEG for short. This material looks like a block of paraffin in the solid state but will dissolve in water. The correct method for using this material is to soak the newly carved piece of wood in water for a month or more depending on its size. After it is completely saturated with water it is placed in a solution of PEG and water. It is kept in this solution for several months for best results. The solution should be warm and can be kept this way with a fish bowl heater. After the carving is thoroughly saturated with PEG, it must be dried slowly in a cool environment and out of the sunlight. The result is a wood carving that will not shrink when it dries and thus will not crack.

The physical explanation for the above process is this: PEG can only be transmitted through the wood if the wood is thoroughly saturated with water. When the PEG enters the cells, it fills the cell walls and the cell lumen located in the center of the cell. When the wood is dried, it cannot shrink because the cell walls are now filled with a solid (PEG) and cannot shrink. If the wood cannot shrink, it cannot crack or split! As a final note, I used this method on a piece of sycamore that was buried in a clay pit for nearly 6,000 years. I had it made into a gun stock and after 30 years of use the gun stock looks like new without the slightest hair line crack in any surface of it.

For more information about replacing rotten logs, drying wood, chinking material, stain or log cabin kits contact Clyde at http://www.westernloghomesupply.com or call 719-547-2135.

Westernloghomesupply.com is a distributor of log home chinking, cabin caulking, log stains, wood finishes, knotty pine log cabin siding, replacement house logs & complete log home kits.

Buy, Build, Renovate - Why Now is the Time

All of us know of the weakness in the global economy. For that reason I will not address those issues in this article. At the same time most people are cutting back on real-estate investment and construction projects, many of my clients are enjoying the availability of top notch contractors, the relative bargains for the homes they bought, and the over-all reduction in the finished price of their project.

I would never encourage anyone to spend money carelessly or to extend themselves beyond their means, but I don't recall a time in my 20 year career as an architect that the conditions have improved so dramatically for individuals who want to buy and build for their family. My sister-in-law who is a school teacher just purchased her first home well below the price she would have paid a year before. She bought an existing older home that needs extensive renovation and she will also be saving significantly on construction costs compared to just six months ago.

The following are 5 reasons I think this a great time to buy and build and renovate:

1. Home prices are down dramatically from their recent highs.
2. Commodity prices of many building materials are falling.
3. Energy surcharges have been eliminated from most building components.
4. Reliable high quality builders are available and are more competitive in their pricing than in recent memory.
5. There are more 'green' and energy efficient materials and systems on the market now than we have seen in 35 years.

As we move toward a recovery in the economy, the same elements that caused the spike in real estate and construction will return: limited supply of fossil fuels, competition for resources from emerging nations, the desire to live in communities with good school systems and bucolic settings. The price to buy, build and renovate will begin to rise on a daily basis as it did for the last 10 years.

http://www.crisparchitects.com

James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

A Conservatory and How to Enhance Your Home's Value

A conservatory can be an extended living space for the home, but it can also be an often used area in the summer. The real problem is that when you install a conservatory, the space for your lawns or garden becomes constricted. This may be a case of compromise much like living in a glass room to enjoy beauty of nature in summer.

Some important factors, which are to be kept in mind while setting up conservatories, are direction in which it faces sunlight. For example, conservatories that face north fall short of getting ample sunlight. The extra heat accumulated also effects household items present in rooms like furniture and may lead to extra cost replacing them. Some of the mechanisms to get cooling effect in conservatories are tapestries and Conservatory blinds.

Nowadays, there are many offline dealers and online websites, which can supply or can even install conservatories. They make the supplied conservatory a perfect extension of your home. However, you can opt to make your conservatory in your own unique way. These are popularly known as DIY projects that you can enjoy in your spare time. This will give you an opportunity to experience the thrill of constructing your own conservatories and can help you save some money in these tight economic times.

Conservatories are also available in ready to use format where you just need small alignment adjustments to get it done. If you are thinking to assemble your own conservatory then keep the following, things in mind so avoid any further issues:-

1) If there are manholes in path of your proposed conservatory fill it up completely with a cover that is sealed tight

2) To amass rainwater by the wall, some conservatories like Edwardian or Victorian come with a roof that is boxed in

3) Height restriction should be assessed carefully, through hipped-back or low-pitched modulations

A conservatory provides you with extra yards of covered spaces where you can relax and spend some time. You can entertain your guests or visitors and it acts as great place to relax during summer days. Take care to include right furniture, right blinds and right utility objects to enjoy these to maximum.

On a monetary aspect, a conservatory can add a great value to a house. On average, this can give up to 11000 pounds for owners in UK. Another good aspect is that a conservatory seldom changes a home's structure. This is something aside but an integral part of a home.

Vince Samios writes about Conservatory Furniture, including Cane Conservatory Furniture, Wicker Conservatory Furniture, and Rattan Conservatory Furniture.

Is it Worth the Cost to Make a Home More Energy-Efficient?

Making a home more energy-efficient will be worth the investment, especially over time. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, you could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on utility bills over the years you stay in your home. And, an energy-efficient home is much easier to sell when the time comes.

You might not want to just launch an effort to make your home more energy-efficient in one fell swoop, but as you make repairs, do upgrades and maybe do a little remodeling, the small additional costs will be recouped faster than you might expect. After all, some of the things you can do to make your home more energy efficient dont cost much at all, especially if you are upgrading anyway.

For example, adding weather stripping to doors and windows will probably cost you less than $50. You could save more than that in the next year in reduced energy bills because your home is losing less heated or cooled air. Installing window film on your east- and west-facing windows will probably cost you less than $100 if you do it and less than $250 if you have a professional do the job. It will reduce your heating and cooling bills and prevent fading of your carpet and furniture caused by intense sunlight saving more than your investment in one or 2 years.

Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs will cost you a little more when you first buy the bulbs, but you will save on electricity and you will replace the bulbs far less frequently.

Adding storm doors and windows will save on both heating and cooling costs by reducing the amount of conditioned air that is lost and reducing the amount of outside air that sneaks in. If your budget is tight, you can try doing what our grandfathers did when they wanted storm windows make you own storm windows. You just need a little lumber, a few nails and some heavy plastic.

If you are replacing appliances, it is worth it to insist on energy-efficient models and options, such as vent-free moisture sensing dryers, front loading washers, and refrigerators with through-the-door ice and water. If you are replacing a water heater, an attic fan or a heating/cooling system, you can certainly buy replacements that are more energy-efficient. You might replace your water heater with either instant water heaters or a solar water heater; replace an electric attic fan with a solar-powered fan. Replace your heating and cooling equipment with a single, energy-efficient heat pump. To really save, try choosing a programmable zoned system with timers that allow you to control the temperature in various parts of the house according to your familys needs. Replacing a toilet? Choose a dual-flush toilet to save water usage.

When it is time to replace your roof, choose a metal roof for your replacement. Metal roofs are less expensive and very energy-efficient. If you dont want a metal roof, you can always install attic foil to prevent heat loss.

All of these options are great choices, both for the environment and for your family. But dont forget to look for possible rebates and tax breaks.

Many utility companies offer rebates to customers who install energy-efficient appliances and lights. Just give your utility company a call and ask. Then be sure you understand the standards to qualify for the rebates.

If you install a whole-house voltage surge suppressor or disaster-proof features, be sure to check with your insurance company to see if you will be entitled to any reduction in your insurance rates.

Investigate energy-efficient financing for your upgrades if you are making your home more energy-efficient. Check on FHA Energy-Efficient Mortgages, FHA Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance, etc.

And dont forget the opportunities to save on your taxes.

If you will use a remodeled or added room as a home office, be sure to deduct the appropriate percentage of utilities, etc. each year as a business expense.

Get to know the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005. It allows homeowners to take tax credits for remodeling that improves the energy efficiency of your primary residence. The maximum credit you can take is $500, but you can take credits for:

10% of cost up to $500 for energy-efficient exterior door or storm doors


10% of cost up to $500 for a qualified metal roof


10% of cost up to $500 for adding insulation expected to last at least 5 years


$300 for qualified central air conditioning, heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps


up to $150 for a qualified gas, oil or propane furnace or hot water boiler


up to $300 for a qualified gas, oil, propane or electric heat pump water heater


up to $2,000 for solar water heating

Making your home more energy-efficient can be good for the environment, good for your family (and your wallet), and good for the resale value of your home. Do your research and shop carefully when you are making upgrades in your home. Going green will usually pay for itself within 5 to 10 years in reduced energy bills.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com and http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

Surface Protection Products Save Builders Money

Houses are expensive to build. From the basic framework to the finishing touches of the perfect flooring, the right cabinetry and the decorative front door, everything costs money. Contractors know that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen, and something expensive needs to be replaced or repaired. Contractors and builders can save time and money by using surface protection products to prevent damage to fixtures.

Surface protection products will more than pay for themselves in the time and money saved by not having to replace or repair anything in the home. Products are available to protect just about any surface in the home during construction. As word spreads that these surface protection products are used and save the new homeowners money by preventing costly delays, a builders image will improve.

FLOORS/CARPETS - Instead of nicking that beautiful wood floor that was just laid, or tracking stains all over the pure white carpet the homeowners have chosen, floors are easily protected while the rest of the job is finished by using surface protection products. Tacky mats are also available to trap dirt and debris from being tracked through the new home.

WINDOWS - Window protection prevents scratching of the glass while allowing natural light inside. It is easy to install and easy to remove, providing protection with UV resistance.

DOORS - Doors can easily be wrapped in a protective sheet to prevent dirt smears, dents and paint overspray. Door protection is light colored, so any important site information can be written on it by the construction crew without damage to the door. Door protection is cost effective and can be ordered in custom sizes if needed.

COUNTERS - Easily modified to fit any surface, counter protection products come in economy, standard, deluxe and premium varieties. All but the economy style are made of thick durable corrugate attached to strong plastic sheeting to provide protection not only to the countertop but to the front of the cabinetry as well.

CABINETS - Durable cardboard sheeting is easily attached to cabinet fronts to protect them from dings, scratches, overspray and dents. It can be re-used until it is torn.

BATHROOMS - Tub damage is a very common event and can really add unexpected costs to building a home. There are various styles of tub protection on the market from liners to covers. Each has their merits but the keys to preventing damage are eliminating the use of bath tubs as garbage cans and preventing contractors from standing in the tubs, grinding screws or nails into the finish of the tub or shower pan.

Toilet protection is available as well. It locks on securely and protects the entire fixture during construction.

HVAC - Inexpensive HVAC protection is worth its weight in gold - it keeps screws, nails, dust and debris from falling into the heating ducts. This simple product can save you a lot of money spent in cleaning the duct work after construction is finished.

Builders and contractors everywhere can benefit by using surface protection products during the construction process. Many of the products are reusable from job to job, and can be printed with the name and/or logo of a business for promotional purposes. Time and money is saved by reducing the amount of replacement and repair needed when finishing up a construction job.

Mike Blake is co-founder of Blake Products and has several patented and patent pending surface protection products. Through his experience in the construction industry, he recognized opportunities to save builders money through preventable damage. For a complete line of surface protection products, please visit http://www.blakeproducts.com your Surface Protection Center.

Increasing the Appeal of Your House by Means of Home Renovation

They say a man's home is his castle and since it's where we spend most of our hours away from work, it should be one that we're always looking forward to come home to. Whether it is a two-story Victorian, a hillside hideaway or a cozy beachfront bungalow, our homes should be a reflection of ourselves and our character. Also, it should be an embodiment of what we perceive to be the ideal hideout from the pressures and chaos of the outside world.

A person's home should be a place of relaxation and bliss, relatively free of the stresses of day to day living. It is where we spend our time unwinding and meditating and it is where we wake-up to the light of a new day- gathering energy for the activities that await us.

There comes a time when people get bored with the appearance of their homes. Maybe the paint starts to peel, or the plumbing starts to drip. In any case, when our haven from the pressures of the outside world ceases to be a place of Zen and becomes a source of angst in itself, it might be time to consider a few changes and doing a home renovation.

Renovation is the most practical thing to do for homeowners who've had their dwellings for quite a few years. Times are harder nowadays and unless you're one of the lucky few who have extra dough, it doesn't really make sense to sell the home you've become attached to and purchase a new one.

If what's bugging you is just a drippy faucet or a few stains on a wall, you can certainly grab a monkey-wrench or a paintbrush and save yourself some money. If it's something bigger like a new all-around color scheme, an overhaul on the plumbing or actual remodeling, you might still be able to do it considering you've had experience in those things. Otherwise, it's wiser to hire the services of a contractor to avoid making costly mistakes and irreversible damage to your castle.

Contractors have years of experience and expertise on anything you might want to have done. There are general contractors and there are those that do specific tasks: roofing contractors, plumbing contractors, painting, etc. All that you need to do is sit down with one recommended by someone you trust and tell them what you have in mind and how much you're willing to spend.

There are several things folks should look into when having major home renovation done. The first thing obviously, is your budget. It wouldn't make sense to start a major remodeling project only to stop halfway because you've run out of funds. Have a realistic figure on how much you can spend and how much you want done.

When it comes to remodeling and renovation, it's also important to know exactly what you want from the beginning. It's ultimately better to have a clear picture of what your goals are and do your planning from there rather than decide on what you want along the way.

Having a timeframe on how much the project is going to take will also help you manage the adjustments your family has to make. Timing is a big issue when it comes to construction and it's best to plan around holidays, celebrations and family gatherings to avoid unnecessary headaches.

During these tough financial times, home renovation is the better way to go if you want to address problems of wear and tear, increase the value of your home, or just change the appearance of your dwelling and make it more pleasurable to live in.

Jo is a writer for 'EBL Group Limited' (http://www.eblgroup.co.uk), a family managed, established and recommended house insurance repairs outworker stationed in Runcorn Cheshire. If you need insurance building repairs as a result of storm, flood, fire, malicious or fortuitous damage or any other reasons or if you have home and buildings improvement requirements then you should check out EBL Group.

Tuckpointing

Tuck pointing is a growing industry. It has been around for thousands of years, but has become much more popular in the past ten years. This has spawned a number of innovations.

Originally, brick/stone masons would hammer and chisel out the mortar as needed. Then rinse away their dust allowing the new mortar to stick. After preparing the cracks for re-pointing, these masons would mix up new mortar to replace the old cracked mortar. At this point, they used a hopper or a trowel to hold their mortar, and a pointing trowel or a tuck-pointing trowel to push the mortar into the chiseled mortar-joint. After allowing the mortar to dry to a proper texture, these mortar-joints are tooled and brushed clean.

In todays market, tuck pointing is considerably different. We no longer have to hammer and chisel the mortar-joints to open the cracks up for repair. Most companies use an angle grinder fitted with a diamond-carbide blade prepared for the purpose of removal of the mortar. This innovation allows us to cut the mortar-joints out deeper and faster than had typically been done prior. This depth is about to of an inch deep, and allows for a better bond into the wall. This still requires the dust to be rinsed away to improve the ability to stick or bond in. In recent years, the new mortars are blended to match the original mortar of the masonry work. Note that not all companies are offering Custom Color Matched Mortars. (For companies that offer the Custom Color Matched Mortar System copy and paste this in your search bar). We also no longer need to use the pointing-trowel or tuck pointer to install the new mortar. This industry has adopted a tool used for grouting tile. It is called a grout bag, and it allows for more speed and accuracy when injecting the new mortars/grout into the mortar-joints. The mortar is still allowed to dry to a desired texture, then tooled and brushed clean.

Each of these new tools and processes has made this service faster, stronger, and more desirable.
There are books and other reports available at http://alamomasonryrepair.com/products.htm which will help you to locate quality contractors in your area or guide you through the process of doing the project yourself.

James Nech is a Masonry Repair Contractor in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. His company has repaired thousands of homes restoring them to their original beauty. When he is not repairing Brickwork or other masonry he can be found talking or writing about it. For more articles on brick repair visit his website at http://www.alamomasonryrepair.com

The Ten Most Frequent House Problems That Home Inspectors Find

A recent survey of home inspectors resulted in a list of the most frequently found problems in the homes they have inspected. It is significant that within this list of ten categories, at least four are directly related to the damaging effects of water. Thus, keeping water out - is the homeowner's most important and continually challenging objective.

1. Improper Surface Grading/Drainage
This was by far the most frequently found problem, reported by 35.8% of the survey respondents. It is responsible for the most common of household maladies: water penetration of the basement or crawl space.

2. Improper Electrical Wiring
A significant number (19.9%) chose this item as the most common home defect, which includes such situations as insufficient electrical service to the house, inadequate overload protection, and amateur, often dangerous, wiring connections.

3. Roof Damage
Although reported by only 8.5% of the respondents as the most common problem, roof leakage, caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing, was considered by CAHPI members to be a frequent problem.

4. Heating Systems
Problems in this category include broken or malfunctioning operation controls, blocked chimneys, and unsafe exhaust disposal.

5. Poor Overall Maintenance
Even the novice home buyer is usually aware of this situation, demonstrated by such signs as cracked, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, makeshift wiring or plumbing, and broken fixtures or appliances.

6. Structurally Related Problems
Many houses, as a result of problems in one or more of the other categories, sustain damage to such structural components as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters, and window and door headers.

7. Plumbing
Though never ranked by the respondents as a Number One problem, plumbing defects still rank high among the house problems encountered, and include the existence of old or incompatible piping materials, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines.

8. Exteriors
Flaws in a home's exterior, including windows, doors, and wall surfaces, are responsible for the discomfort of water and air penetration, but rarely have structural significance. Inadequate caulking and/or weather-stripping are the most common culprits.

9. Poor Ventilation
Perhaps due to overly ambitious efforts to save energy, many home owners have "over-sealed" their homes, resulting in excessive interior moisture. This can cause rotting and premature failure of both structural and non-structural elements.

10. Miscellaneous
This category includes primarily interior components, often cosmetic in nature, which were not found frequently enough to rank individually in our survey.

Obviously the age of a home plays a significant role in these findings. In older, urban houses, problems such as heating system failure, inadequate electrical service, and worn plumbing can be found with much greater frequency than reflected in this survey.

The survey response percentages were given only for the first three categories because they were so high and statistically meaningful. Items 4 through 10 were ranked significantly lower than the top three, and vary regionally.

Peter Ottowitz
http://www.newworldenergyaudits.com
http://www.masshomeinspect.com

Ten Tips To Find And Hire The Best Contractor For Your Remodeling Project

One of the most frequently-asked questions on my forum is "How do I find the right contractor for my remodeling project?" There are many important steps and considerations in choosing and hiring a contractor for a remodeling project. There should be a lot of research and checking information before making a contractor choice.

Here are the top ten tips I offer to homeowners about finding and hiring the best contractor for a remodeling project.

1. Look for a contractor with a strong track record of success in your community. This person will have survived and thrived in the community. The business will be well established in the community, and people will know the contractor and his or her work.

2. Look for a contractor with knowledge and experience in the kind of work you want done. Experience is important. You need a contractor who has experience and knowledge of the specific kind of work you want done. For example, you don't want to hire a roofer to do an electrical job. When interviewing contractors for your project - ask them what projects they are working on now. They likely are doing several - if one or more is a project similar to yours, that's a good sign.

3. Check vital information on the contractor. Check with the state or local licensing board if contractors are required to be licensed in your area to ensure that the contractor is properly licensed to do the kind of work you need and that the license is current. Also check on the contractor's insurance. Ask contractors you are considering for the project to show you their insurance certification. Then call the insurance company and check to ensure the policy is current.

4. Check the contractor's record. Check with the Better Business Bureau, local courts, and search on the internet to find out if there have been any complaints or court cases involving the contractor. Also consider performing a background check. Many companies on the internet offer this service.

5. Develop a clear description of the project, including your workmanship expectations, materials and quality of materials before you discuss the project with a contractor. Your ability to be clear and specific allows the contractor to offer informed opinions and accurate estimates. It is also wise to be open about your budget from the outset, and if the cost is a major concern for you, ask the contractors you interview for their advice on how to minimize the cost.

6. Ask for and then check professional references. Ask for the contractor's standard references, and then ask for several references from projects that contractor is working on currently, as well as several references for projects the contractor completed recently that are very similar to yours. When you talk to the reference ask all the standard questions. Also ask what went wrong and how the contractor made it right.

7. Organize your project and the interview process. Make or buy an organizer to manage the business cards, literature, quotes, estimates and notes that you will accumulate during your search. A good organizer is The Complete Remodeling Workbook and Organizer. Use an interview script for both the contractor and references and a standard list of questions that you answer after the interview so you can compare contractors objectively.

8. Ask a lot of questions during the interview about the contractor, the project and the estimate. Not only do you need answers to specific questions, you need to evaluate your ability to communicate with the contractor. This is also an opportunity to decide whether you do or do not trust the contractor to be in your home and around your family.

9. Carefully compare and evaluate all estimates. I usually recommend that homeowners get at least 5 estimates. You will then need to compare the estimates, including all the details, in order to decide who to hire. Ensure that all of the estimates reflect the same workmanship, finished work, quality of materials, and schedule. If you are having difficulty comparing estimates, ask the contractor to help you make the comparison. If a contractor isn't helping you with this, then he/she probably is not the right one for you to work with.

10. Get a good contract. Get a contract that is based on the total final cost of the project (not an estimate). Be certain that everything is included in the contract. Sample contracts are available at http://www.remodelestimates.com If any changes from the details in the contract are made during the work process, ensure that all changes and costs are put in writing with a change order.

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

Country Kitchen Themes And Colors

Designing a charming and romantic Country Kitchen with a warm, inviting atmosphere entails more than just "setting the table" with some quality decorative accessories. Whether you have a tiny kitchen or a spacious one big enough for a big maple table, you can give the space a country flavor with the right color and themed accents.

Color is a key ingredient because it makes the first impression of a room on our senses, so setting the mood is your primary concern. If you can paint the walls, you may choose a very light yellow to give a sunny glow to the kitchen. A primitive design wallpaper or stencil border will further the country look. Combining yellow and a French blue, which is a blue-purple hue, is a traditional use of Country French colors. Add accessories such blue glass and amber glass, blue canister sets, potholders, oven mitts, dishtowels and blue and white check table linens and curtains. Use accents like blue tiles and framed sunflower prints or tin signs.

If your walls have to stay white and your appliances are also white, as in most apartments, you will have to rely on well-chosen splashes of color in your design accents to do the trick. You can start by finding a line of accessories featuring one bold color like red or bright blue or a theme such as roosters, berries, sunflowers or country store. Then add accents that complement the color or the theme.

Let's say, for example, that you choose a line of accessories featuring red, like apples, cherries or strawberries. A set of bold red canisters and a red cookie jar will add panache to the countertop. Your kitchen table can sport a red check or red and white stripe tablecloth and red napkins. You could use a centerpiece of fresh flowers in a red glass bowl. For a party, complete the picture with red candlesticks in white ceramic candleholders. Also consider decorative red glass bottles for a windowsill and red chair cushions. Framed prints of red fruits and vegetables dress up neutral walls.

If you choose blue for your basic color scheme, this color, particularly when combined with accents of yellow, typifies old-world charm. European kitchens feature rich, strong blues in tiles, curtains and glass dishes. At Claude Monet's country estate in Giverny (about an hour north of Paris) the huge, black stove is backed by multi-patterned blue and white tiles, a striking as well as practical design statement. (See "Monet's Table by Claire Joyes.) In the adjacent dining room, a dining table has 12-14 yellow-painted chairs and is laid with blue and white dishes on a yellow tablecloth, set off by blue flowers in tiny vases by the place settings. Another set of Monet's everyday dishes was bright yellow edged in deep blue. Stunning!

You can use green as an accent in the form of lush, leafy potted plants. Plants serve several functions: they make your kitchen beautiful by bringing nature indoors, they give off oxygen and they'll fit right in with your color scheme. If red is your main accent or theme, the green in plants will intensify this color because green is opposite red on the color wheel. They are "complementary" colors. Green is also the combination of two primary colors, yellow and blue, so it harmonizes with that color scheme also.

Match and complement your country kitchen's featured colors when you choose your cooking/serving apron as well as potholders and oven mitts. You are the star of the room and you should dress the part!

Country Kitchen decorative accents and a Free Gift at: http://www.CountryKitchenCountry.com